Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea move collapses, Man Utd’s ‘angry’ Felix chase and Mudryk to Arsenal latest

Chelsea youngster given glowing report

Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen has received a glowing report from Vincent Kompany amid his successful loan spell at Chelsea.

“I think if you compared this season to any other season Ian has played, he has got two goals and two assists across the year,” Kompany said.

“This season already he has four goals and four assists already, he’s doing really well already and for a full-back it’s not a given.”

Vlahovic move dismissed

Arsenal’s chances of signing Dusan Vlahovic in January have been dismissed, though the door is open to a summer move.

Vlahvoic had emerged as a potential target for the Gunners amid Gabriel Jesus’ injury. But GiveMeSport report that their chances of signing him are rated as being ‘slim to none’.

But Juventus are said to be ‘very unsettled’ with the Serie A side at risk of being raided in the summer window.

Butland to undergo United medical

Jack Butland will undergo at medical at Manchester United today.

That is according to The Athletic, who report the 29-year-old is expected to seal a loan move to Old Trafford until the end of the season.

Butland’s arrival comes after Newcastle recalled Martin Dubravka from the Red Devils as he struggled for game-time under Erik ten Hag.

Chelsea’s Fernandez move collapses

Enzo Fernandez’s move to Chelsea has reportedly collapsed after Benfica demanded his full release clause be paid up-front.

According to TyC Sports, Benfica ‘gave up’ selling the midfielder after it became clear Chelsea would only pay the £106m needed to sign him in instalments.

While Benfica president Rui Costa had shown a willingness to negotiate, his position is now ’emphatic’ that Fernandez will not be leaving.

Butland’s comments on United resurface

Jack Butland has already endeared himself to Manchester United fans by hailing the club six years before his expected move to Old Trafford.

“I want to play in the Champions League and I want to win trophies. There’s no reason why we can’t win trophies at Stoke, we’ll try and win some cups and do as well as we can, but I obviously have ambitions,” Butland told talkSPORT in 2017.

“A club like Manchester United, or whoever it may be… United are, for me, the biggest club in the world and you have to take those things in consideration. But if it’s right, if it’s not, I’ll make those decisions at the time.”

De Gea ready to slash wages

David de Gea is reportedly ready to slash his wages in a bid to extend his stay at Manchester United.

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season, with the Red Devils turning down the chance to exercise an option in his existing deal to lengthen his stay.

But in an effort to remain at Old Trafford, the Irish Independent report that De Gea has ‘signalled’ his willingness to cut his wages from their currently enormous £375,000 per week level.

Benfica reject Fernandez bid

Benfica have reportedly rejected Chelsea’s opening bid for Enzo Fernandez.

The Blues are keen to boost their midfield options, with Fernandez quickly becoming their top target. But despite offering a record-breaking £112m, the Daily Mail report that Benfica have rejected it out of hand.

The Portuguese side are said to want Fernandez’s full £106m release clause paid up-front, rather than in instalments as Chelsea had planned.

Simeone ‘angry’ over Felix saga

Diego Simeone is reportedly growing increasingly impatient with the saga around Joao Felix’s future.

The flop is free to leave Atletico Madrid on loan this month, but the LaLiga side’s high demands are scuppering a deal at present. According to El Larguero de la SER though, Simeone is blaming agents for the dragging out of the attacker’s exit.

The Atletico boss is described as being ‘angry’ at the situation and is demanding a final decision from Felix on his future. The Portugal international is said to not be ‘as involved’ as he should be as he remains sidelined with injury.

Good morning

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That’s all for tonight, folks. But check back in with us tomorrow morning when we’ll have all the latest transfer news.

Arsenal cool Tielemans interest

Arsenal have cooled their interest in Youri Tielemans and are not expected to make a move for the Leicester playmaker this month.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the Belgian back in the summer and had been tipped to return in the winter window.

But, as things stand, Tielemans is not set to be the subject of an approach from Arsenal in January.

Brighton make Ferguson decision

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is set to stay in and around the Seagulls first-team after scoring two goals inside a week.

The 18-year-old had been courted by a host of Championship clubs but is now set to stay put after scoring against Arsenal and Everton.

Everton and Palace battle for Akpom

Everton and Crystal Palace are weighing up a January swoop for in-form Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom.

The former Arsenal man leads the Championship scoring charts after plundering 13 goals this term and Sky Sports claim Akpom is now attracting Premier League interest.

Both Everton and Palace are eager to sign a striker this month in a bid to improve their fortunes.

Fulham hit Cedric issue

Fulham could be priced out of a move for Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares this month.

According to The Evening Standard, the Whites cannot afford to fund a permanent move for the former Southampton man nor do they have the finances to pay his full salary.

Man Utd ‘preparing’ Felix offer

Manchester United are preparing a loan bid for Joao Felix – but are only willing to pay £3.5million to acquire the Portuguese forward for the rest of the season.

Atletico Madrid are believed to want a loan fee of around £11m, with Relevo reporting that United are hopeful Atletico will consider a smaller fee.

The Old Trafford hierarchy are set to open talks over a straight loan which would not include an option for them to purchase Felix at the end of the season.

Newcastle ‘keen’ on McTominay

Newcastle are ‘keen’ on acquiring Scott McTominay – but Manchester United have no interest in offloading their homegrown midfielder, who still features heavily in Erik ten Hag’s plans.

The 26-year-old, who has missed United’s last two games through illness, has not started a league game since featuring in the Manchester derby back in October and is beginning to attract interest from other clubs.

According to The Daily Mail, McTominay has admirers at Newcastle, but a January deal is unlikely as United have made it clear that their academy graduate is not for sale.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

Villa turn down Ings approach

Everton have seen a loan approach for Danny Ings rejected by Aston Villa.

Toffees boss Frank Lampard, who is clinging to his job after a thumping 4-1 defeat against Brighton on Tuesday night, is desperate to add some more firepower to his beleaguered squad.

But Aston Villa have turned down a loan request for Danny Ings and will only contemplate a permanent sale. Everton ’s Financial Fair Play concerns, however, mean that any big-money moves would be problematic.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

Tottenham and West Ham battle for Atalanta star

West Ham and Tottenham are poised to battle it out for Atalanta star Ruslan Malinovskyi.

According to Calciomercato, both sides are tracking the 29-year-old midfielder, who would prefer to link up with Antonio Conte’s side.

However, Tottenham are only willing to sign Malinoyskyi on a loan deal – and the Italian giants want to offload the Ukrainian for good.

EXCL: Chelsea mull over ‘record’ Mudryk move

Chelsea remain hopeful of hijacking Arsenal’s move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk after holding talks over a potential transfer.

The Gunners have submitted an improved second bid for the Ukraine international, who has been a long-term target, but Mirror Football understands Chelsea have held discussions with Shakhtar this week over a move as they look to gazump their London rivals.

Mudryk, 21, has enjoyed an explosive season at the Ukraine giants with 11 goals in 19 appearances – including three strikes in the Champions League group stages. A youth-team graduate of the club, Mudryk has established himself as the star and talisman of a team decimated by player departures over the past year due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Chelsea are now evaluating whether they can move ahead of the North London club for Mudryk, who is believed to be keen on a move to the English capital. The Blues are ambitious of investing heavily in their squad this month.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

QPR terminate Bonne’s deal

 Macca departs. Forward ???????? ????? has left the R’s following the mutual termination of his contract. #QPR

Leicester in Kristiansen talks

LEICESTER are in talks to sign highly-rated FC Copenhagen left-back Victor Kristiansen.

The injury-hit Foxes are aiming to sign at least three players this month and 20-year-old Kristiansen, who is rated at between £5-8 million, is a top target.

Discussions are already under way with the Superliga champions, who are believed to be open to selling after their exit from the Champions League group stages.

Foxes scouts have been impressed by the Denmark under-21 international, who would strengthen Brendan Rodgers’ defensive options after James Justin was ruled out for the season with a ruptured Achilles.

Leicester currently have NINE players sidelined with injury and are desperate for reinforcements after signing just one player this summer, Wout Faes.

Gunners recall Azeez

Arsenal prospect Miguel Azeez has been recalled his loan spell with Spanish second division outfit UD Ibizia.

Azeez, 20, moved to Spain back in September but has featured in just two of Ibizia’s last nine league matches.

Azeez, who had a loan spell at Portsmouth last season cut short in similar circumstances, will now return to the Emirates Stadium.

Potter coy on Mudryk links

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has remained coy on reports claiming the Blues are set to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The Shakhtar Donetsk winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners for months and has already been the subject of two offers since the winter window opened.

Chelsea are also admirers of Mudryk – but Potter refused to be drawn on whether or not the Londoners were planning to firm up that interest.

In his pre-match press conference, Potter said: “We’ve to deal with all the noise of Chelsea getting linked with everybody and I don’t comment on any deal.”

Newcastle launch move for Vallodolid youngster

Newcastle are reportedly battling with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund for the signing of Ivan Fresneda.

According to Sky Sports, the Magpies are considering a move for the 18-year-old in January as they attempt to bolster the right side of their defence.

Scouts at St James’ Park are thought to have watched the youngster on a number of occasions.

Chelsea hold Fernandez meeting

Chelsea have reportedly held a meeting with Benfica regarding the signing of Enzo Fernandez.

The midfielder shone for Argentina at the World Cup and has attracted interest from Chelsea. He is expected a huge amount in January with The Athletic reporting that the Blues have held face-to-face discussions with his current employers in an effort to take him to Stamford Bridge.

Benfica’s president Rui Costa, Fernandez’s agent Jorge Mendes and Chelsea’s current owners were all said to be in attendance.

Fiorentina ‘confident’ over Liverpool target Amrabat

Fiorentina are reportedly ‘confident’ over keeping Sofyan Amrabat despite a number of clubs chasing the Moroccan’s signature.

The midfielder caught the eye in his nation’s run to the World Cup semi-finals with Liverpool and Tottenham reportedly chasing his services.

As per Tuttosport, Fiorentina are considering activating an option in his contract to extend his deal until 2025 and he is likely to remain with the Italian club until at least the end of the current campaign.

De Gea agrees pay cut for new deal

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has reportedly agreed to a pay cut to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.The Spanish stopper was set to be out of contract at the end of the campaign with talks on for an extended deal. According to The Telegraph, he is now willing to see his £375k per week wages in order to stay with the club.

Arsenal make Tielemans decision

Arsenal have reportedly cooled their interest in Leicester star Youri Tielemans despite long-standing interest in the midfielder.

The Belgian is out of contract at the end of the season and the Gunners have long been linked with a move. He could be available for a reduced fee this month but as per football.london, Arsenal are not interested in making a move in the January window.

Brentford make club record swoop

And we have a done deal from the Premier League as Brentford seal the signing of German striker Kevin Schade.

The striker has joined initially on loan but the deal is expected to become permanent in the summer for a club record fee with Schade committing to a five-year deal in West London.

TWEET

Guardiola wants Silva to stay

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire for Bernardo Silva to stay at Manchester City.

Barcelona tried to sign the Portugal international, 28, last summer.

Guardiola told reporters on Wednesday: “He [Silva] is a key player, so important on and off the pitch. He’s an incredible player against top sides, in decisive games he’s always there.

“Nothing’s changed about his future.”

Tottenham sign England

Tottenham have signed Beth England from Chelsea.

It’s believed Spurs have paid a record transfer fee for a British player in the women’s game, thought to be £250,000.

The previous record was set by Lauren James’ £200,000 move from Manchester United to Chelsea in 2021.

Hilton heads back to Fulham

Fulham have recalled Sonny Hilton from his loan spell at Carlisle.

The 21-year-old midfielder joined Carlisle on a season-long deal at the beginning of the term but has struggled to overcome a knee injury.

Hilton will continue his rehab at his parent club.

Carlisle boss Paul Simpson said: “After recent conversations between Fulham, Sonny, and us, it was agreed that it was in Sonny’s best interests for him to return to his parent club.

“Since returning from his ankle injury he hasn’t got the match minutes we would all have hoped for. I have enjoyed working with him as he’s a top guy, and I wish him well.”

Brighton sign teenager

Brighton have announced the signing of Jamie Mullins from Bohemians.

The Republic of Ireland youth international, 18, has signed a contract until June 2025.

Mullins said: “I can’t wait to get started. I played alongside Evan Ferguson at Bohemians and we know each other really well.

“We spoke a lot about what Brighton has to offer young players and the pathway they have, so it made it a really easy decision to join.”

Chelsea ‘closer’ to Fernandez deal

Chelsea have edged closer to signing Enzo Ferdnandez, according to the Evening Standard.

It’s believed the Blues have been locked in talks with Benfica and are set to agree an eye-watering £112million deal.

The sticking point is how Chelsea will pay the cash. Graham Potter’s side reportedly want to pay it in three installments, but Benfica want more money paid upfront.

A quarter of the transfer fee will go to Fernandez’s former club River Plate.

Conte going nowhere

Antonio Conte has revealed he is ‘really commited’ to Tottenham amid rumours surrounding his future at the club.

Speaking ahead of Spurs’ trip to Crystal Palace, Conte said: “I’m really committed for Tottenham. I signed a contract to help the club, then during this process, can happen lot of things.

“The club can sack the manager or there are different visions, different situations.”

Lampard set for sack

Everton manager Frank Lampard is on the verge of being sacked, according to talkSPORT.

The Toffees were beaten 4-1 by Brighton on Tuesday night and are one point above the relegation zone.

Man Utd after Butland

Manchester United are considering a move for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland, according to The Telegraph.

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new stopper after loanee Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle.

Brentford close to signing

Brentford are on the verge of signing Kevin Schade from Freiburg, according to The Times.

The Germany youth international, 21, has passed a medical ahead of a £22million deal.

Several clubs after Kone

Bayern Munich, Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are all interested in signing Kouadio “Manu” Kone, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The French midfielder, 21, is a regular for Borussia Monchengladbach.

Yet Jude Bellingham is thought to be Liverpool’s preferred central midfield target.

Man Utd’s Depay hopes dashed

Manchester United are reportedly interested in re-signing Memphis Depay from Barcelona.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and is struggling for minutes in Spain.

Yet Barcelona boss Xavi doesn’t want Depay to leave in January.

Xavi has told reporters: “I don’t want anyone to leave. I’m delighted with the squad.”

Chelsea unwilling to pay £106m for Fernandez

Chelsea are reluctant to pay Enzo Fernandez’s £106million release clause, according to The Telegraph.

The Blues are interested in the Benfica midfielder, 21, but don’t want to pay a British record transfer fee to sign him.

Ronaldo’s work in Europe is done

Cristiano Ronaldo has quelled speculation linking him with a return to Europe.

The veteran forward, 37, was unveiled as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday.

It’s believed Newcastle are considering signing Ronaldo on loan if they qualify for the Champions League.

Yet Ronaldo has said: “I gave my word for this club. I won everything, I played for the most important clubs in Europe and now it is a new challenge in Asia.”

Newcastle not expecting signings

Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle are not planning on making any signings in January.

The Magpies are chasing European football.

Howe said on Tuesday night: “At the moment, we’re taking it day by day. We have a strong team and a strong group of players, who are giving everything.

“January is a long month. There is no intention imminently to change the squad, but that could change.”

Arsenal will “try”

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal will “try” to sign a player in the January transfer window.

Mykhailo Mudryk is their primary transfer target.

Arteta said on Tuesday night: “That’s something we will always try – to improve our team. Every window is really important because we still have a lot of things to do with this team.”

Chelsea after Mudryk

Chelsea have entered talks with Shakhtar Donetsk in a bid to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mykhailo Mudryk, according to various sources.

It is claimed that Shakhtar director of football Darijo Srna is set to jet into London later this week to hold talks with Mudryk, who has already been the subject of two bids from Arsenal.

Barcelona’s De Jong message

Xavi has ruled out departures at Barcelona this January, saying: “I think it’s going to be a quiet window for us.”

The news will come as a blow for Manchester United, who remain hot on the heels of Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong.

The Red Devils were in pursuit of the Dutchman for much of the summer before turning their attention to Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro and splashing £70million to secure his signature.

De Jong was unimpressed with United failing to qualify for the Champions League, but Erik ten Hag – who he worked with at Ajax – has transformed the club back into a top-four outfit.

Click here to read the full story

Good morning!

Hello and welcome to our live transfer blog!

We’ll keep you posted with all of Wednesday’s news and rumours.

Stay tuned!

Good night!

That’s all we’ve got time for tonight, folks. But join us again tomorrow when we’ll have all the latest transfer news

Hazard set for Real Madrid exit

Eden Hazard is one of five players who could be allowed to quit Real Madrid this month, according to a new report from AS.

They claim that Hazard, Alvaro Odriozola, Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz will be free to leave the Bernabeu if adequate offers are tabled.

Asensio is one name who has been linked with a switch to the Premier League in recent weeks.

Southampton ‘close’ to Orsic deal

Southampton are closing in on a £7.5million deal for Dinamo Zagreb forward Mislav Orsic.

The 30-year-old has notched up eight goals and seven assists already this term in the Croatian top-flight and should give the Saints some much-needed firepower.

Man Utd plot Sommer swoop

Manchester United are set to make a move for their No.1 goalkeeper target Yann Sommer this month, according to TalkSPORT.

The veteran shot-stopper was linked to Old Trafford back in the summer but is also believed to be on Bayern Munich’s radar.

United were expected to make their move for the 34-year-old at the end of the season – but it appears as though a move for the Swiss international could be moved forward after Martin Dubravka’s season-long loan was cut short earlier this week.

Wan Bissaka ‘could still be sold’

Manchester United could still decide to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka this month, according to The Athletic.

The former Crystal Palace right-back has impressed since coming back into Erik ten Hag’s side since the World Cup but had been expected to depart in January.

West Ham and Wolves have both been credited with an interest in recent weeks – and it appears as though their hopes of signing Wan-Bissaka may not be dead in the water.

Man Utd rekindle Schick interest

Fichajes have claimed that Manchester United have rekindled their interest in Bayern Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick.

United were heavily linked with Schick back in the summer, however, a deal failed to materialise.

It appears as though the 26-year-old is back on United’s radar though as Erik ten Hag attempts to bring in attacking reinforcements this month.

Villa plotting McKennie swoop

Sky Sports Italy are reporting that Aston Villa are interested in striking a deal for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie this month.

McKennie, who starred for the USMNT at the World Cup, has attracted interest from the Premier League before and was linked with Tottenham back in the summer.

Juventus would reportedly not stand in the 24-year-old’s way if an adequate bid were to arrive this month and Villa are expected to back new boss Unai Emery in the transfer market.

However, the report outlines that Bournemouth have made concrete steps in a bid to pip rivals to a deal for McKennie as they bid to boost their Premier League survival hopes.

Forest set to offload Sturridge

Nottingham Forest are willing to allow Sam Surridge to leave the club on loan this month.

Surridge, 24, only joined Forest last January from Bournemouth but is now surplus to requirements after failing to score in 10 Premier League outings this term.

Sky Sports claim that Championship duo Burnley and Sunderland are ready to battle it out for the forward, who plundered 7 league goals in 17 games for Forest during the second half of last season.

Inter ‘open’ to Martinez offers

Inter Milan are reportedly open to offers for striker Lautaro Martinez – providing they are in the region of €80million (£70.5m).

A whole host of top European clubs, including several Premier League sides, have been linked with Martinez over the past 12 months.

And now, Calciomercatoweb are claiming that the Italian giants are finally ready to cash in on the Argentina star if the price is right.

Chelsea ‘in talks’ to hijack Mudryk move

Chelsea have entered talks with Shakhtar Donetsk in a bid to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to The Sun.

It is claimed that Shakhtar director of football Darijo Srna is set to jet into London later this week to hold talks with Mudryk, who has already been the subject of two bids from Arsenal.

Gakpo deal finally concluded

The final formalities of Cody Gakpo’s £37million switch from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool have now been completed, it has been confirmed.

Cody Gakpo is officially a Red after the formalities of his transfer from PSV Eindhoven were successfully concluded on Tuesday

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 3, 2023

Messi makes PSG decision

Lionel Messi is set to remain at Paris Saint-Germain with reports claiming that Argentina’s World Cup hero has a ‘verbal agreement’ with the French giants. The 35-year-old has just six months remaining on his current deal and had been linked with a switch to the MLS.

Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain have verbal pact to continue together. #PSG

There will be a new meeting with his camp to discuss length of contract, salary and more.

Nothing signed this week, no rush as the plan is already clear: Messi will continue in Paris. pic.twitter.com/OAEgWA58cX

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 3, 2023

Arsenal renew partnership with Barclays

Arsenal have renewed their £70m credit facility with Barclays bank, according to documents submitted to Companies House last week.

The Premier League leaders submitted the “registration of a charge” form on December 23, with the potential borrowings secured against guaranteed future broadcasting income. But supporters taking it as a hint towards a possible splurge in the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta’s team seek to maintain their title push should not get too excited.

Read more here.

Conte ‘committed’ to Tottenham

Antonio Conte has revealed he is ‘really commited’ to Tottenham amid rumours surrounding his future at the club.

Speaking ahead of Spurs’ trip to Crystal Palace, Conte said: “I’m really committed for Tottenham. I signed a contract to help the club, then during this process, can happen lot of things. The club can sack the manager or there are different visions, different situations.”

Lopetegui on Nunes to Liverpool links

Julien Lopetegui has revealed that Matheus Nunes is “happy” to be at Wolves amid speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Liverpool.

The Wolves boss said: “We can say that Matheus is our player, he’s Wolves player and he’s so happy to be here.”

Norwich recall Placheta

Norwich have recalled Przemyslaw Placheta from his loan spell at Birmingham after the Blues terminated his contract.

The winger joined the West Midlands side on loan in the summer but score once in five appearances during an injury-hit spell.